Former Mariners boss Graham Arnold signs on at Japanese club Vegalta Sendai

GRAHAM Arnold's departure from the Mariners is official after he signed a two-year deal to take over J-League club Vegalta Sendai.

Phil Moss is promoted with immediate effect to succeed Arnold, who had flown to Japan to clinch a deal believed to have materialised in the last three weeks.

Arnold will officially begin his new role in January, with his Japanese club having three games of its existing season to go. Current coach Makoto Teguramori will then take over Japan's U23 side, as Arnold becomes the first Australian-born coach to take over a side in Japan.

"Together at the Mariners we have achieved a lot over the past three seasons," Arnold said. "But just like players I have the determination and drive to coach at the highest level I possibly can."

"Naturally, this opportunity with Vegalta Sendai excites me. The J-League is an amazing competition with quality players, highly professional clubs, and passionate fans. I hope to help Sendai achieve success, and help pave the way for more Australian coaches to work in top leagues around the world.

"I have stated many times in the past how much I love the Mariners and love living on the Central Coast," he said. "There is an amazing culture at the club, and I know that the players, staff and management will continue working hard as they aim to achieve the goals that have been set not only for this year, but for the years to come."

News_Rich_Media: Daily Telegraph football correspondent Tom Smithies joins FSN via phone to break the news that Graham Arnold will be leaving the Central Coast Mariners with immediate effect to negotiate terms with a club in Asia.

Arnold won the title, the premiership and got to two grand finals in three and a bit remarkable years with the Gosford club, and had been forced to remodel his side significantly in the off-season.

Now Moss must take that challenge on, though he has a short period of grace with the Mariners not playing again for another 10 days.

"Phil [Moss] deserves his opportunity to be a Head Coach in the A-League," Arnold said. "He is a dedicated professional who understands the culture of the club, has the trust of the players, and has the desire to make the very most of this opportunity. I ask the fans to give Phil and the club their full support."

The Mariners plan to honour Arnold at some point, recognising the work he did since joining in 2010.

"We would like to officially recognise Graham for his exemplary work and professionalism during his time with us," Mariners general manager Peter Turnbull said. "He was instrumental in delivering us our second Hyundai A-League Premiership, and of course our maiden Hyundai A-League Championship."

"He has left a lasting legacy at the Mariners and will go down in club history for all the right reasons."